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A British couple who felt 'burnt out' by a poor work-life balance in the UK have now relocated to Thailand, saving themselves £1,000 a month in rent and paying just £2.76 for their water bills. Roshni Ward, 30, and her fiancé Louis Hunt, 33, began contemplating a move overseas after growing 'fed up' with life in the UK, citing rising crime rates and the dreary weather as key factors. The pair, who previously rented a flat in Rye, East Sussex, were working gruelling 11-hour days as well as overtime, leaving them feeling exhausted and burnt out. In search of a slower pace of life, they made the decision to move to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in September. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE They quickly fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, warm climate and stunning architecture. Their monthly rent now stands at a mere £300, which includes access to a gym and pool, while their water bills are just £2.76, taxis cost £1.50 and takeaways are priced at £2. This has resulted in savings of more than £1,000 a month compared to their previous rent of £1,350 in the UK. "We always wanted to move abroad and had toyed with the idea of it," said Roshni, who works as a content creator. "The UK didn't feel safe and a poor work-life balance meant we were too burnt out to enjoy life. "Since moving, we love the slower pace of life, as well as the weather , the rich culture and the welcoming locals. "And the cost of everything is so much lower which was a shock to the system - in a good way. If we can help it, we won't come back to the UK." The couple started seriously considering an international move after returning from a holiday in Thailand in December 2024. Roshni and Louis explained they had become burnt out from lengthy shifts and workplace pressures, whilst also feeling unsafe in the UK amid increasing crime rates. Roshni was employed full-time as a corporate team leader in broadband sales and frequently found herself working additional hours at weekends, preventing her from unwinding during her leisure time. Louis was working full-time as a carpenter, enduring 11-hour days when travel was included, which left him physically drained as well. "There was a poor work-life balance. When we got to the weekend, we were so burnt out that we didn't want to do anything," Roshni said. The pair also felt unsafe in the UK, especially Roshni as a woman, because of rising crime levels - and recalled from their December break that they had felt considerably safer in Thailand. Once their tenancy agreement on their rented property in Rye ended, they started searching for accommodation in Thailand and relocated to Chiang Mai on September 3. Both Roshni and Louis resigned from their jobs in the UK, with Roshni transitioning to full-time content creation and Louis establishing himself as an online fitness coach. She described how the local residents are incredibly friendly and everyone is prepared to assist you should you require help. There exists a substantial international expat community, providing numerous chances to connect with others and build friendships. The pair love exploring stunning temples, elephant sanctuaries, Thai eateries and waterfalls. Roshni said: "There's something for everyone in Chiang Mai." One of the most noticeable differences they've discovered compared to the UK is the significantly lower cost of living. Despite working remotely for international clients, the couple still earn UK wages. Their home, a mere ten-minute drive from the city centre and equipped with a gym, swimming pool and co-working space, costs them only £300 per month in rent. This is a stark contrast to their previous flat which set them back £1,350 each month. Their water bill in Thailand is a mere £2.76, a fraction of what they used to pay in the UK, which could be as high as £76. A 20-minute taxi ride in Thailand sets them back by just £1.50. Their electricity bills are a modest £44, compared to up to £300 in the UK. Due to the affordability of taxis, the pair don't own a car or bike, saving them additional money on fuel and maintenance. The couple reveal that takeaways cost between £1.50 to £2, and they can enjoy a full meal and drinks at a restaurant for just £8 - a sum that would easily exceed £60 in the UK. She added that pints of beer are "no more than £2". The only item they've found to be pricier in Thailand than the UK is Bisto gravy granules, which cost around £5 due to import charges. Despite the financial savings, they express that what they cherish most about Thailand is the slower pace of life and the rich culture. "In the mornings we can get lie-ins, go to the gym, have a swim and then start work," said Roshni. "In the UK, everyone starts early and is asleep by 11pm, here, you could finish work at 10pm and everything is still open. "Louis has some UK clients - he can have a business call at 11pm and we can still go out for a meal after." They're captivated by the culture - with opportunities to explore stunning temples, elephant sanctuaries and organised excursions - alongside the welcoming and gentle nature of local residents. "Anyone will stop and help you if you need it," she added. "In the UK, if someone foreign came up to you asking for help, most people wouldn't stop." Despite only recently arriving in Thailand, they're so enamoured with their new life that returning to the UK seems unthinkable. "We would like to stay permanently. We'd be more open to starting a family here than in the UK because it's so much safer," Roshni said. "We've just fallen in love." Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here
